Even though Apple scored a big victory against Samsung inside the court, it looks like Apple is losing its stronghold on its patents. After tentatively invalidating the 'Steve Jobs Patent' on multitouch, the USPTO has invalidated Apple's 'pinch to zoom' patent. The 'pinch to zoom' patent was crucial in scoring a billion dollars off of Samsung.

The agency declared invalid the entirety of Apple's patent on Wednesday, according to a document issued by the patent office that was filed by Samsung in federal court in San Jose, Calif. The document lists portions of the patent that were struck down on reexamination, on the basis that prior patents covered the same inventions.

Samsung, who's on the hook for a billion dollars, is hoping this document can lead to a new trial. Apple, which has other patents tentatively invalidated, will probably have to convince the USPTO on its patent's merit. There's still many steps to go before the patent becomes fully invalidated but it ain't a good first step for Apple. Also, how screwed up is the patent system if so many patents can be awarded yet invalidated upon "further reexamination"? [WSJ]